Nowadays rapid development of information and communication technologies induced changes in many spheres of society. Digital media gives an access to diverse information sources ensuring vast available information. However, it became more difficult to evaluate credibility of these sources and quality of information provided by them. Issues of source credibility and information quality are particularly important in the context of online shopping. Consumers have to rely on information provided by online retailers and other sources in order to make a right purchase decision. The purpose of this master thesis is to examine effects of source credibility and information quality on attitude toward using the information source and purchase intention. Previous research investigated these effects only for one information source, thus, this study addresses this gap by exploring three online information sources: retailer source, eWOM source and neutral source. Furthermore, the theoretical framework is applied to the context of online apparel shopping, as no similar studies have beenconducted in this area before. We have formulated the following research question: What kind of effects do source credibility and information quality have on attitude toward using information source and purchase intention of apparel products? We used Theory of Reasoned Action and Information Adoption Model to develop a conceptual model. Data was collected from a sample of 180 respondents, who completed the online survey. Empirical findings demonstrate that factors of source credibility such as trustworthiness, expertise and attractiveness have positive effects on the attitude toward using eWOM source, while only trustworthiness and expertise positively affect the attitude toward using neutral source. For eWOM and neutral source relationships between factors of information quality and the attitude toward using the information source were found insignificant. On the contrary, for retailer source only factors ofinformation quality, accuracy and relevance, show positive effects on the attitude toward using retailer source. For all three sources attitudes toward using the information source and subjective norms positively affect purchase intentions. This work contributes to the existing knowledge by examining three online information sources in one study, which enables to discover differences in effects of source credibility and information quality on the attitude toward using the information source and purchase intention among sources. Furthermore, this paper provides recommendations for practitioners regarding improvement of perceived credibility and information quality ofeach information source in order to increase the number of consumers willing to use the source during information search.

E-learning systems provide a promising solution as an information exchanging channel. Improved technology could mean faster and easier access to information but does not necessarily ensure the quality of this information. Therefore it is essential to develop valid and reliable methods of quality measurement and carry out careful information quality evaluations. Information quality frameworks are developed to measure the quality of information systems, generally from the designers' viewpoint. The recent proliferation of e-services, and e-learning particularly, raises the need for a new quality framework in the context of e-learning systems. The main contribution of this thesis is to propose a new information quality framework, with 14 information quality attributes grouped in three quality dimensions: intrinsic, contextual representation and accessibility. We report results based on original questionnaire data and factor analysis. Moreover, we validate the proposed framework using an empirical approach. We report our validation results on the basis of data collected from an original questionnaire and structural equation modeling (SEM) analysis, confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) in particular. However, it is difficult to measure information quality in an e-learning context because the concept of information quality is complex and it is expected that the measurements will be multidimensional in nature. Reliable measures need to be obtained in a systematic way, whilst considering the purpose of the measurement. Therefore, we start by adopting a Goal Question Metrics (GQM) approach to develop a set of quality metrics for the identified quality attributes within the proposed framework. We then define an assessment model and measurement scheme, based on a multi element analysis technique. The obtained results can be considered to be promising and positive, and revealed that the framework and assessment scheme could give good predictions for information quality within e-learning context. This research generates novel contributions as it proposes a solution to the problems raised from the absence of consensus regarding evaluation standards and methods for measuring information quality within an e-learning context. Also, it anticipates the feasibility of taking advantage of web mining techniques to automate the retrieval process of the information required for quality measurement. This assessment model is useful to e-learning systems designers, providers and users as it gives a comprehensive indication of the quality of information in such systems, and also facilitates the evaluation, allows comparisons and analysis of information quality.

Tech. (Logistics, Faculty of Management Sciences), Vaal University of Technology / The focus of this study was to examine the relationship between information sharing, information quality, strategic partnership and internal lean practices among Small and Medium-sized Enterprises in South Africa. It is essential to understand practitioners’ and entrepreneurs’ current knowledge towards the topic at hand in order to determine what interventions would be most beneficial in helping to curb the problem of the lack of knowledge in this area and to understand the underlying causes behind the problem, while creating awareness and giving new insight to those who are already aware of this topic. Data was collected from a sample of 350 Small to Medium Enterprises and the measurement items in the measuring instrument were measured using a 5-point likert scale. Thereafter the collected data was coded and analysed by means of structural equation modelling using the AMOS 21 software package. The results indicate that supplier information sharing and information quality have a strong influence on strategic partnership and in turn strategic partnership has a strong influence on internal lean practices among Small to Medium Enterprises. This indicates that the level and quality of information shared between Small to Medium Enterprises and their suppliers has a positive effect on the strength of their partnerships as well as on the internal practices of each Small to Medium Enterprise. Based on these results, conclusions were drawn and recommendations were put forward on how internal lean practices in Small to Medium Enterprises can be improved by means of information sharing, information quality and strategic partnerships.

An ICT tool is not only used in healthcare as an aid for caregivers, but can also help enhance the care experience of care recipients as these tools can bring benefit to the recipient. The positive care experience can also have the opposite effect, depending on the quality of information conveyed to the recipient. This study deals with SMS reminders information related to the quality of the care experience. It examines whether SMS reminders within the health system contains sufficient quality information to influence recipients care experience to the positive. This study was conducted by a qualitative method of semi-structured interviews with both care recipients and caregivers. This is to get two different perspectives on the information and quality care experience – from a care recipients perspective as receiving the SMS reminder, and from a caregivers perspective that send out the SMS reminders. By conducting a literature review, we acquired material that formed the basis of our interview questions. The results of the study show that SMS reminders in the current situation does not contain sufficient high quality information in order to reach a positive care experience for patients. In addition to information quality, we have also identified communication as a major factor contributing to increasing health care experience. Besides these two factors, we could also deduce that health care consumers have different needs depending on the life situation they are in.

Ur ett samhällsperspektiv är revision en viktig funktion där syftet är att kvalitetssäkra ekonomisk information samt skapa trygghet gentemot allmänheten. Digitaliseringens framväxt har skapat goda förutsättningar för att få fram relevant information där ett samspel mellan parterna är avgörande i säkerställandet. Studiens problemformulering lyder, på vilka sätt kan rotationsreglerna påverka revisorernas möjlighet att bedöma och hur bidrar revisorer till utveckling av informationskvaliteten. Syftet är att skapa förståelse om hur informationskvalitet har påverkats efter införandet av rotationsreglerna, samt hur revisorerna bidrar till att utveckla och upprätthålla god kvalitet. Den teoretiska- och praktiska referensramen baseras på tidigare forskning och litteratur om informationskvalitet samt relationerna mellan parterna och revisionsprocessen. Undersökningen har genomförts genom fyra telefonintervjuer samt av tre strukturerade intervjuer med skriftliga svar vars innehåll är identiska och bygger på den teoretiska samt praktiska referensramen. Slutligen kopplades den empiriska delen samman med den teoretiska och praktiska vilket resulterade i en klar analys och utförlig slutsats.   Studien bevisar att det inte föreligger nämnvärda skillnader i informationskvaliteten efter rotationsreglernas införande men däremot påvisas bedömningen av kvaliteten bero på hur väl kommunikationen fungerar. Genom att upprätthålla en god kommunikation och samspel mellan parterna säkerställer detta en god kvalitet. Ytterligare faktorer där bedömningen samt upprätthållandet av kvaliteten uppnås är genom noggrann planering där vikten ligger på att prioritera uppdragen korrekt. Vidare förbättras även kvaliteten på informationen genom revisorernas individuella utveckling där kontinuerliga internutbildningar ges. Förståelsen kring reglerna är av stor vikt för att upprätthålla en god informationskvalitet eftersom det bygger på att ha vetskapen om hur och varför processen ska genomföras. I samband med detta skapar det förutsättningar till att utföra en utförlig och noggrann bedömning och granskning av revisionen. / The purpose of this thesis is to give insight on the effects of the quality of information due to the initiation of rotation rules. Furthermore, it also presents accountants contribution in developing and maintaining a good quality of information. The theoretical as well as practical framework is based on previous research and literature on information quality, the relations between parties and the audit process. The study shows that the initiation of rotation rules have made no difference in terms of information quality. However, to maintain high quality of information good communication between parties is of essence. The maintenance of information quality requires proper planning, prioritizing of assignments and development generated by continuous education. Furthermore, understanding of current rules is essential in maintaining good information quality and implementing a thorough assessment of the audit.

Diariamente surgem novas aplicações de sistemas baseados na internet, influenciando a forma como vivemos, trabalhamos e interagimos na sociedade. No entanto, a maioria dos sistemas é elaborada com base no senso comum e intuição, raramente utilizando conceitos de avaliação da qualidade da informação provida pelos websites. Numa tentativa de aprofundar mais este tipo de metodologia, este estudo faz uma adaptação ao modelo de avaliação de qualidade da informação de websites, proposto por Kim, Kishore e Sanders (2005), para avaliar de sistemas de internet banking. Foi realizado um levantamento entre alunos de graduação, com o objetivo de se verificar a aderência do modelo à sistemas de internet banking, bem como critérios factíveis de comparações entre instituições financeiras, a respeito de sistemas de internet banking. Como forma de atingir esses objetivos, foi feito uso de métodos estatísticos, com a utilização de análise fatorial, coeficiente alfa de Cronbach, método de escalas somadas e testes de médias, por meio de ANOVAS. / On a daily basis new internet based systems are born, changing the way we live, work and interact with the society. In spite of that, most of these systems are developed based on common sense and intuition, rarely using methodologies that involves data quality information. In order to explore more these methodologies, this study adapts the data quality information framework created by Kim, Kishore e Sanders (2005) in order to evaluate internet banking systems. A survey was made with undergraduate students, with the goal to verify how the framework applies to internet banking systems. A second goal is to reveal constructs that may be used to compare internet banking systems. In order to achieve these results, statistics will be taken place, using factor analysis, cronbach coefficient, summated scales and ANOVAS.

This dissertation examines why planning is perceived as a barrier to the thermal improvement of conservation properties, and considers ways in which this might be addressed. The focus on thermal improvement is derived from a survey of UK scenario literature for energy management up to 2050. A further examination of the literature finds that conservation properties are particularly in need of thermal improvement; and barriers to thermal improvement are identified. A gap in the academic knowledge is found that identifies planning as a perceived barrier, but that there is no investigation of this widely held perception. The research question is therefore developed as, 'Why is English planning perceived as a barrier to the thermal improvement of conservation properties and how can it be addressed?' The dissertation methodology uses a pragmatic mixed-methods approach and research design. The first phase of the research examines 'Why planning is perceived as a barrier', by using surveys and interviews to gather evidence of the experiences and opinions of the multiple users of planning for conservation projects. Through this work, a lack of consistency and reliability in English planning is identified. The data suggests this may be due to the discretionary and fragmented nature of the English planning system which requires local authorities to interpret national policies and develop local plans and guidance. This results in local decision-making, which may not be consistent. Additionally, the research finds a perceived lack of strong national policy and guidance. This perceived lack of consistency and reliability in the application of planning is selected as the basis for validation phase of the dissertation research findings. The validation research seeks to test the perception of a lack of consistency and reliability through a Comparative Information Quality assessment adapted and developed from the discipline of Information Management. Online planning guidance for conservation projects provided by 13 London Councils is compared. The method confirms and highlights areas of inconsistency across the Councils' planning guidance. By identifying a number of areas of inconsistency, and by providing a tool that could help to ensure that policy is delivered consistently at the local level, this component of the research addresses the second part of the research question, 'How can the planning barrier be addressed?'. In conclusion, the dissertation suggests that planning is perceived as a barrier due to a lack of consistency and reliability in the planning process. Inconsistencies are identified and a recommendation is made for how these might be reduced.

O principal objetivo deste trabalho é avaliar a qualidade de um site de governo eletrônico. Para atingir essa meta, a pesquisa descreve a aplicação da ferramenta Quality Function Deployment, QFD, para melhoria da qualidade do site da Secretaria de Estado da Habitação de São Paulo, SH, e Companhia de Desenvolvimento Habitacional e Urbano, CDHU. CDHU é a empresa do governo do Estado de São Paulo responsável pela execução do plano de habitação de interesse social para o Estado. O QFD foi desenvolvido no Japão, na década de 60, para melhorar a qualidade de produtos industriais desde o projeto. Apesar disso, o foco deste estudo é sua aplicação para melhorar a qualidade do site, apresentando as adaptações necessárias ao modelo original e observando as possíveis limitações de sua aplicação para esse fim. Como ponto de partida para a pesquisa, foram realizadas entrevistas com os profissionais de informática da empresa, responsáveis pelo desenvolvimento e manutenção do site, com outros colaboradores que utilizam diariamente o site da companhia e com o ouvidor da CDHU. Essas entrevistas, juntamente com a revisão bibliográfica, formaram a base para a elaboração de um questionário para avaliar a percepção dos clientes da CDHU sobre o site. O questionário foi aplicado a mutuários da CDHU para captar a voz do cliente e construir a casa da qualidade, principal produto da aplicação do QFD. O QFD mostrou ser uma ferramenta útil para priorização das mudanças a serem feitas no site e para iniciar discussões sobre a necessidade de sistematizar rotinas de teste e de melhoria contínua do site, além da gestão do conteúdo. Este trabalho abrange os temas Qualidade da Informação e Governo Eletrônico e apresenta sugestões de melhoria para o site da SH/CDHU. / The main purpose of this study is to evaluate the quality of an e-government website. To achieve that goal, this paper describes the advantages of using the Quality Function Deployment (QFD) tool to improve the quality of Secretaria de Estado da Habitação de São Paulo, SH, and Companhia de Desenvolvimento Habitacional e Urbano, CDHU, website. CDHU is a governmental company of São Paulo state which is responsible for developing urban plans focused on low revenues families. QFD was developed in Japan, in the 60s, to improve the quality of industrial products from the project. Even tough the focus of this study is the use of such managerial tool as a website quality inducer, presenting the necessary adjustments to original QFD model and pointing out some possible limitations of such application. First of all, interviews were conducted with technology information professionals from CDHU, who are in charge for the website development and maintenance; with CDHU workers who access company website daily; and with CDHU ombudsman. These interviews along with bibliography review allowed the development of a questionnaire to evaluate CDHU customers perception on its site quality and performance. The answers captured the voice of the customer and were used to build the house of quality, main deliver of QFD. QFD demonstrated to be powerful tool to help prioritizing desirable changes in the website and also to start PDCA discussions about the site content management. This study covers the Information Quality and E-Government subjects and it also presents improvement suggestions to SH/CDHU website as an answer to clients willing and recommendations.

O cenário atual da gestão da informação é de extrema complexidade. A multiplicidade de ambientes computacionais gera extensos volumes de dados, mas nem sempre garante informações de qualidade. Elas embasam a maioria dos processos de tomadores de decisões. Nesse sentido, o presente estudo busca compreender a percepção da qualidade das informações entre profissionais e usuários de sistemas de informação. Além disso, desenvolve uma proposta de dimensões da qualidade baseadas no contexto de uso que, apesar de serem mais difíceis de mensurar, sustentam outras formas de qualidade da informação, adotadas ou não pelas organizações. O trabalho está dividido em duas partes. Primeiramente, levanta informações sobre a percepção da qualidade da informação entre os profissionais da informação, divididos em três perfis - produtores, consumidores e gestores da informação. Em seguida, avalia a classificação das dimensões propostas, considerando a importância de cada dimensão e a sua correspondente valorização para as organizações, na visão dos profissionais da informação. Os resultados do estudo podem orientar as organizações e, principalmente, os profissionais da área de Tecnologia da Informação, em relação à importância de adotarem práticas de melhoria da qualidade da informação. As dimensões propostas nesta classificação são baseadas no contexto de uso e, portanto, são as que estão mais próximas da realidade dos indivíduos que lidam com as informações, no dia a dia das organizações. / The present scenario of information management is extremely complex. The multitude of computing environments generates large volumes of data, but does not always guarantee quality information. They underlie most processes of decision makers. On this way, this work aims to understand the perception of the information quality for the professionals and users of information systems. Also, the work develops a classification proposal of quality dimensions based on the context of use. These, though harder to measure, maintain all other forms of information quality, used or not by organizations. The work has two specific objectives. First, gathering information on the perceived quality of information among information professionals, shared in three profiles - producers, consumers and managers of information. Secondly, assessing the classification of the dimensions proposed, considering the importance of each dimension and its corresponding value for the organizations, in accordance to the view of information professionals. The results of this work can guide organizations and especially the professionals, about the importance of adopting practices to improve the quality of information. The proposed classification is based on the context, therefore, although they are difficult to be measured, they are also those which are closest to the reality of individuals who deal with the information, every days in the organizations.

A imprevisibilidade dos acontecimentos que se transformarão em notícia e a necessidade de cumprir um horário de fechamento diário tornam o trabalho em redação de jornal uma atividade sob a constante pressão de fatores internos e externos. Premidos pelo tempo, a todo instante editores precisam decidir rapidamente se apostam ou não em um fato como notícia, que grau de complexidade darão à pauta, se o repórter vai para a rua buscar informações, quantas e quais pessoas devem ser ouvidas, qual espaço o assunto irá ocupar na edição. E, principalmente, como garantir que o resultado dessas decisões seja uma informação de qualidade, correta, imparcial e com credibilidade. Neste contexto, esta dissertação tem a finalidade de contribuir para a identificação de quais fatores afetam a produção de uma notícia, impactando na qualidade da informação que chega ao leitor. A partir de uma abordagem transdisciplinar, com conceitos teóricos das áreas de Comunicação, Gestão de Processos e Qualidade da Informação, se constituiu um estudo de caso fundamentado por meio de pesquisa de natureza aplicada. Inicialmente, foi realizado um mapeamento do processo em uma Redação de jornal impresso, buscando identificar fluxos de produção e pontos críticos. Em um segundo momento, foram ouvidos sete editores que atuam na empresa, utilizando o Método Delphi, com o objetivo de entender quais são as principais interferências no dia a dia da Redação e como elas afetam o texto jornalístico. Ao analisar o impacto do tempo na produção do jornal, os entrevistados reconhecem prejuízos especialmente na etapa de apuração dos fatos, quando o repórter coleta informações e realiza entrevistas. Também destacam a importância da etapa de checagem de dados. O resultado são notícias publicadas sem contextualização, com imprecisão ou erro nas informações e textos inconsistentes. Em relação à rotina dos repórteres, ficou evidenciado que as maiores dificuldades estão em obter um ângulo diferente da notícia e ter acesso a fontes e dados dentro do prazo disponível. Entender os fatores intervenientes na produção da notícia e antecipar-se a eles permite garantir aos jornalistas elaborarem com mais frequência a notícia ideal, definida pelos entrevistados como aquela que tem contextualização, pluralidade, interpretação e criatividade. / The unpredictability of events that will be converted into news, and the need to comply with daily deadlines turn the newspaper newsroom work into an activity under constant pressure by internal and external factors. At all times, editors have to make several quick decisions, such as whether they bet on a given fact as news, whether the reporter will gather information in the streets or contact the sources by telephone, the best approach for the event, how many and what sort of people must be heard, where to collect data, how to write clearly and attractively for the reader. Moreover, how to guarantee that such decisions will result in accurate, unbiased and reliable information. Within this context, this thesis aims at contributing to the identification of internal and external factors that affect news production, and impact the quality of information that reaches the reader. Resting on a transdisciplinary approach, and employing theoretical concepts from the Communication, Process Management, and Information Quality areas, a case study was built based on applied research. Firstly, the process in a print newspaper newsroom was mapped seeking to identify production flows and critical points. In a second moment, by using Delphi Method seven editors who work in the company were heard with the objective to understand the overriding interferences in the newsroom daily activities, and how they affect the journalistic text. When analyzing the impact of time on newspaper production, the interviewees recognize harmful effects specially during the stage of fact ascertainment, when the reporter collects information and conducts interviews. The editors also highlight the significance of the data cheking stage. The outcome will be non-contextualized news, innacurate or mistaken information and text inconsistency. Regarding the reporters routine, it is evident that the biggest difficulties are in obtaining a different angle from a given piece of news, and gaining access to sources and data within the available time span. Understanding the intervening factors of news production, and being ahead of them might assure to journalists the development of the ideal piece of news more often, which according to the interviewees is that one containing contextualization, plurality, interpretation and creativity.